“UK Gov Push to Delay Climate Action Slammed: Rishi Sunak’s Anti-Green Drive in Full Swing

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent proposals to delay the UK’s legally binding climate targets by up to four years have been met with criticism from environmental advocates and green campaigners. Sunak’s proposals, which are expected to be approved by his Conservative colleagues, have been dubbed by opponents as an ‘anti-green drive’ in the UK. The UK has committed to a legally binding target of reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050, but Sunak’s new plan will postpone the country’s progress in meeting this goal. Sunak has justified this delay citing the significant economic damage inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, many opponents of the plan are pointing out that it would jeopardise future emissions targets, and potentially put the UK out of line with other EU countries, which are obliged to reach the 80 percent reduction target by 2050. Campaigners, such as Greenpeace, have come forward to criticise the proposals, using terms such as a ‘shocking dereliction of duty’. They have also pointed out the potentially huge economic losses of failing to reduce carbon emissions, taking into consideration the large-scale investment and job opportunities that could come from a shift to green energy. Rishi Sunak’s delay to the UK’s climate targets has caused a great deal of controversy both domestically and abroad. This ‘anti-green’ drive could see the UK take a step backwards in its climate change efforts, with potentially dire economic ramifications. It will be interesting to see what is decided upon in the near future.